How do you find out what lasts your new balance shoes use?

You would have to contact NB and ask, as that model is no longer listed on their web site.

To find out what fitting a current shoe has, go to the page for that shoe, click on the size box and enter your size, then click on the width box and it will tell you what widths are available for that size. However, I can't find any spec for the last – which is a pity. That info used to be available. The spec for onee of the current Minimus shoes simply says 'Rugged over-lasted forefoot'.

I think you can buy direct from NB from the same page. They seem to offer free postage for orders over $125.

Cheers

Built on a MNL-1 last

Found it here: http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Mens-M730-Running/dp/B005CHJ3QI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

In general, as Roger says check with NB website. With a discontinued shoe (like yours) you have to do some sleuthing. Neither the shoe nor the box will tell you the last they used (as far as I know) and that is a shame.

Thank you for finding that. What a bummer that only that shoe and another one just like it uses that last. It's the best-fitting shoe I've ever had.

> What a bummer that only that shoe and another one just like it uses that last.
I don't think things are quite that bad. There never was a huge difference between some of their lasts, and often the major tuning of the shoe to your feet is done by picking the right size (1/2 a size up, very often!) and the right width.

For experienced long-term walkers, either a 2E or a 4E is often a far more comfortable width than the 'industry medium' of D. That D is often aimed at the average fashion/street wearer who is used to a lifetime of narrow shoes (poor beggar).

With a mesh upper, the shoe can do quite a lot of adapting to your feet, so the last become less critical. Finally, some good thick socks add the final polish, imho. Me, I go for Darn Tough Vermont. You get what you pay for.

I rather like the move NB made to using a Vibram sole for some of their shoes. The slightly harder Vibram design seem to be just a little better at not letting the rocks poke through, despite the common use of a 'rock plate'. And they grip very well imho.

Cheers

Piper,

I have a pretty much worn out pair of NB 730 they have a really nice combination of curved last, narrow heel and midfoot but with lots of big toe room, they are on the "Minimus" last, like the MT110v1, sadly New Balance seem to have dropped this last in their current lineup :(
After a little checking on the Running Warehouse Shoefitr, It seems the MR00v2 has kept the minimus last, though will be more "minimal" than the 730 (zero-drop vs 4mm, less outsole rubber)

Comparison of MR00 vs 730 last from Shoefitr

As Running Warehouse has the 730 in their database, you can compare any other shoe they also have in there.

Dave

Piper,

I've had a quick scan and Altras last is similar, but wider throughout, their sizing, but not last, seems to vary depending on model.
Inov8's Trailroc line, Merrells Bare access Ultra and North face Ultra Trail TR are also in the same ballpark.

Dave